Published in September 2002

Wines, Spirits and Beers published in the September 2002 issue of Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

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Seven Lions Winery 2000 Three Amigos Vineyards Zinfandel (Sonoma County)

Price $38

A complex, amazing wine that is one of the best Zins of the vintage. The perfume is extraordinarily detailed, suggesting black raspberry preserves, white chocolate, black pepper, tobacco, vanilla and smoke. All these flavors commingle in the mouth. Drinks dry, with dusty tannins. This is a brilliant wine, with a sensationally rich, vital finish. —S.H. — S.H. (9/1/2002)

points

Luna 1999 Canto Red (Napa Valley)

Online Exclusive

Price $60

Expensive, yes, but these guys know what theyÕre doing. This Super-Tuscan blend of Sangiovese, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon defines NapaÕs virtues: Complexity, deliciousness, and the softest, creamiest tannins, together with the modern penchant for low acidity and, of course, lots of new oak. This wine wows with opulence and impresses with elegance. — S.H. (9/1/2002)

points

Deerfield Ranch 2000 Ladi's Vineyard Syrah (Sonoma County)

Price $40

Must be unfined or unfiltered, because it’s already throwing a heavy sediment. Inky black. Intense, bold aromas of crushed white pepper suggest Northern Rhône Syrah. Deep, concentrated flavors of blackberries and violets, lush, complex tannins, fabulous structure and mouthfeel. You might mistake this for a fine young Hermitage—it’s that good. —S.H. — S.H. (9/1/2002)

points

Northstar 1999 Merlot (Columbia Valley (WA))

Editors' Choice

Price $50

Northstar has ramped up production to 2,900 cases, on its way to 15,000 once the new winery (being built in Walla Walla) is operational. Here is flat-out killer fruit, stacked with all the flavors of the rainbow, that finds the silky sweet spot on the palate and goes for a long, long ride. This winery is on a roll. Editors’ Choice. — P.G. (9/1/2002)

points

Château Potelle 1998 V.G.S. Chardonnay (Mount Veeder)

Online Exclusive

Price $39

This wild yeast wine has emerged as one of CaliforniaÕs most consistently interesting and concentrated Chards. The dense overlay of oak doesnÕt just mask watery fruit. These spicy, peachy flavors are massive. Waves of palate sensations roll over the tongue, even in this weak vintage. The wine is also an ager. — S.H. (9/1/2002)

points

Hanzell 1999 Chardonnay (Sonoma Valley)

Price $50

The first California winery to create an oak-aged, Burgundian-style Chardonnay, Hanzell’s been producing rich, creamy Chards for almost 50 years. This wine continues the tradition. Peach, hazelnut and crème brûlée notes, considerable acidity, and great focus on the palate. This is a wine with a history of aging well. — S.H. (9/1/2002)

points

Yering Station 1998 Reserve Shiraz (Yarra Valley)

Editors' Choice

Price $36

Displays a winning combination of cool climate and low yields in its rich, earthy, peppery aromas. There’s an undeniable herbal streak that adds complexity akin to some Northern Rhône Syrahs, supported by fleshy mulberry fruit. Finshes dusty and dry, but with a lush juiciness at the same time. Editors’ Choice. —J.C. — J.C. (9/1/2002)

points

Conn Creek 1999 Limited Release Cabernet Franc (Napa Valley)

Editors' Choice

Price $25

Showcases this varietal’s sweetly limpid, berry side. Raspberry liqueur flavors are rich and long on the palate, accompanied by crisp acids and the heat of alcohol. Delicious from the soft texture through the full-bodied, ripe finish. —S.H. — S.H. (9/1/2002)

2009 Monte Pinadillo Ciranza

Black fruit, raisin and minerally aromas combine to create a formidable…

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